THE owners of an illegal outhouse have been forced to demolish it and the owners of another to remove the kitchen in a clampdown on 'beds in sheds'.

Ealing Council officers made repeated visits to a home in Masefield Avenue, Southall after the owners put up an outbuilding without planning permission.

They believed the self-contained building was being rented out as accommodation, for at least £750 a month, after being alerted by an anonymous complainant.

The owners demolished the building last month after being given an enforcement notice in March, warning they faced legal action and a fine of up to £20,000 if they didn’t.

The enforcement team is now overseeing the voluntary demolition of a new fitted kitchen in another outhouse in Priory Gardens, near Hanger Lane, after neighbours complained it took up most of the garden.

Ealing’s deputy leader, Cllr Ranjit Dheer, said: “So-called ‘beds in sheds’ are a real problem across London for so many reasons.

“They don’t comply with housing safety standards or planning controls which means they’re often not properly connected to the electricity, gas, water or sewage supply.

“Ealing will always investigate any illegal outhouses we hear of and take firm action whenever appropriate.”

If you would like to report an occupied outbuilding, call 020 8825 8786 or e-mail the details to outhouses@ealing.gov.uk You can also report an illegal outhouse on the council website at www.ealing.gov.uk/reportit